The landscape of online TTRPG play has seen substantial growth in recent years. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube host vibrant communities of D&D and other RPG streams, while numerous new Virtual Tabletops (VTTs), character generators, and GM toolkits have emerged into the limelight. In tandem, a variety of apps boasting dice rolling features have been developed to cater to these online players. Here, we aim to highlight a selection of our preferred tools.

To keep this list concise, we've focused on dice rollers that meet these three key criteria:

1. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
2. Online Functionality: Allows dice rolls to be shared in live multiplayer settings.
3. 3D Visuals: Provides visually appealing dice animations akin to physical dice.

dddice

dddice has significantly expanded its scope by prioritizing digital dice portability. It's become the favored dice roller for many new VTT and dice projects. Notably, it's integrated with diverse platforms like Tabyltop (a new VTT), QuestBound (a customizable RPG rules engine), and an upcoming multifaceted platform called AllTheRPGs, encompassing social media, universal character sheets, and RPG event planning.

Additionally, dddice integrates seamlessly with popular VTTs like Roll20, Foundry VTT, Owlbear Rodeo, and TaleSpire, and interfaces with character builders such as D&D Beyond and Pathbuilder 2e. It offers a suite of tools for D&D Live streamers, including overlays for roll results, rolls themselves, and a Stream Deck plug-in. With access from 18 different locations, users can enjoy dice animations anywhere they are connected.

👍 Pros

1. 10k+ community created dice themes
2. No signup required, start rolling in seconds
3. Support for Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, World of Darkness, Fate, Call of Cthulhu, Genesys and Fantasy Flight Star Wars
4. Customize 3D dice via an easy-to-use editor or more robust API
5. Share custom dice with your friends
6. Streamer support
7. Support for third-party apps via API and SDK

👎 Cons

1. Not a VTT, doesn't do character creation or automation of characters natively so you'll have to use a plugin to handle this
2. No native app support (but mobile works well enough!)
3. Lack of custom shapes, no gem d4s or d100 balls

D&D Beyond

D&D Beyond is great tool you are playing D&D. If you play online then chances are you may already use this, but to those just starting their online RPG experience, this is worth checking out.

The dice offering of D&D Beyond is not as robust. The biggest con here is only the user rolling the dice sees the actual 3D dice roll, the party just gets the final number in a pop up. It's a shame too, because some of the dice sets are really beautiful and some are only available via pre-orders. Sure, having rare dice is cool, but rolling them in front of your friends is cooler.

👍 Pros

1. You probably already use D&D Beyond for your character sheets
2. Beautifully animated 3D dice

👎 Cons

1. Party members only see results, not the animated dice
2. Limited, but growing die selection (additional themes are $6+)
3. No dice outside the standard set used for D&D
4. No customization of the dice

Roll20

Roll20 is a full-fledged, super popular VTT. It does have 3D dice, but unfortunately it's offering is the slimmest of all on this list. There is one theme, and the color is matched your player color. If all you want is the dice, this probably isn't for you, but if VTTs are your thing this is a strong choice.

👍 Pros

1. Super popular VTT
2. Just a bit of config to enable the 3D Dice

👎 Cons

1. Roll20 is a full VTT, users need to create an account and create a game to roll 3D dice
2. The color of the die matches your player color, no other customization options
3. Not all dice types are rollable in 3D, Fudge dice are the notable exception
4. Lacks proper mobile support

Dice So Nice (for Foundry VTT)

This is our second VTT option. Dice So Nice is a plug-in for Foundry VTT, also a very popular VTT. Unless you are already on the Foundry platform this is the highest investment in time and money required roll 3D dice.

If you are already using Foundry or are keen to get started with it, this might be the choice for you.

Users are able to customize there dice, and there are a few modules in the Foundry VTT module listing that add more dice to the options. You can also buy sets from RollSmith.com that come in the form of a paid Foundry VTT module

👍 Pros

1. Integrated into Foundry which many people use already
2. Independent dice creators sell dice sets

👎 Cons

1. One-time purchase of $50
2. Need to self-host or pay for hosting to roll with your party
3. Foundry has a steep learning curve
4. Lacks proper mobile support
5. Players can't bring their own dice, the GM needs to install the dice into the world

Owlbear Rodeo 2.0

I'm sure you have all heard about Owlbear Rodeo. It's a super simple VTT that is easy, intuitive and your players can get playing no sign up required.

Last year the 2.0 version was released, an improved dice roller. This time you can see what other people roll!

👍 Pros

1. Physics based rolling that rolls and tumbles identically on everyone's screen
2. Fast and easy to use, just like the rest of Owlbear Rodeo

👎 Cons

1. No dice customization
2. Can only roll one color of dice at a time
3. Only the standard D&D  dice are available

Honorable Mentions

This section is for notable dice rollers that didn't make the top 5 but still fit the criteria.

Lets Role

Has a shop with some really nice 3d dice!

Fantasy Grounds

A popular VTT with 3D dice you can roll!

Conclusion

There are many ways to get your roll on! All it takes is finding the right tool for you and your party.

For us, 3D dice are a must, without them, part of the core essence of the game is lost.

If you play online with a VTT or character sheet that has them already build in, and you are happy with the dice choices provided, you are set! If you play in more than one game and want to bring your dice with you, or you want to try your hand an 3D dice crafting, give dddice a look!

Happy Rolling 🎲

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